Security apparatus including a remote actuator assembly

ABSTRACT

A security apparatus for a portable electronic device includes a force-transmission member having a length, a first end, and a second end. The apparatus further includes a lock head coupled to the first end of the force-transmission member. The lock head is movable by the force-transmission member between a locked position, in which the lock head is secured to the portable electronic device, and an unlocked position, in which the lock head is unsecured from the portable electronic device. An actuator assembly spaced a distance from the lock head includes a body, a movable member coupled to the second end of the force-transmission member, and a lock mechanism supported by the body. The lock mechanism is actuatable from a first position to a second position to move the movable member relative to the body such that the lock head moves from the unlocked position to the locked position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/120,955, filed Sep. 4, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,563,432, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/711,914, filed May14, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,066,423, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/469,016, filed Aug. 26, 2014, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,062,476, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/870,964, filed Aug. 28, 2013, and to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/943,662, filed Feb. 24, 2014, the entirecontents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to security apparatuses for securingportable electronic devices and, more particularly, to securityapparatuses including remote actuator assemblies.

Security apparatuses are commonly used to secure laptop computers,tablet computers, and other portable electronic devices in place. Somesecurity apparatuses are configured to engage and lock in slots formedin the portable electronic devices. These apparatuses, however, may bebulky relative to the slim industrial design of newer devices. As such,the security apparatuses may block other ports (e.g., USB ports, powerports, headphone jacks, etc.) of the portable electronic devices whenconnected to the devices.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a security apparatus for aportable electronic device. The security apparatus includes a cablehaving a length, a first end, and a second end. The security apparatusalso includes a lock head coupled to the first end of the cable. Thelock head is configured to selectively engage the portable electronicdevice and is movable by the cable between a first position, in whichthe lock head is secured to the portable electronic device, and a secondposition, in which the lock head is unsecured from the portableelectronic device. The security apparatus further includes an actuatorassembly coupled to the second end of the cable and spaced a distancefrom the lock head along the length of the cable. The actuator assemblyis operable to actuate the cable to move the lock head between the firstposition and the second position.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a system including aportable electronic device having a housing, a screen supported by thehousing, and an attachment member coupled to the housing. The systemalso includes a security apparatus having a cable with a length, a firstend, and a second end. The security apparatus also includes a lock headcoupled to the first end of the cable. The lock head engages theattachment member of the portable electronic device and is movable bythe cable between a first position, in which the lock head is secured tothe portable electronic device, and a second position, in which the lockhead is unsecured from the portable electronic device. The securityapparatus further includes an actuator assembly coupled to the secondend of the cable and spaced a distance from the lock head along thelength of the cable. The actuator assembly is operable to actuate thecable to move the lock head between the first position and the secondposition.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a security apparatusfor a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device has aslot. The security apparatus includes a cable having a length, a firstend, and a second end. The security apparatus also includes a lock headcoupled to the first end of the cable. The lock head includes anexpandable portion that is configured to be received in the slot of theportable electronic device. The lock head is movable by the cablebetween a first position, in which the expandable portion expandsoutward to secure the lock head within the slot of the portableelectronic device, and a second position, in which the expandableportion moves radially inward to unsecure the lock head from the slot ofthe portable electronic device. The security apparatus further includesan actuator assembly coupled to the second end of the cable andconfigured to be secured to an immovable object. The actuator assemblyis operable to pull the cable to move the lock head from the secondposition to the first position, and is operable to release the cable tomove the lock head from the first position to the second position. Thesecurity apparatus also includes an outer sheath surrounding at least aportion of the cable and coupled to the lock head and the actuatorassembly. The outer sheath maintains a distance of at least 8 cm betweenthe lock head and the actuator assembly along the length of the cable.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides a security apparatusfor a portable electronic device. The security apparatus includes aforce-transmission member having a first end and a second end that isspaced at least 8 cm from the first end. The security apparatus alsoincludes a lock head coupled to the first end of the force-transmissionmember. The lock head is configured to selectively engage the portableelectronic device and is movable by the force-transmission memberbetween a first position, in which the lock head is secured to theportable electronic device, and a second position, in which the lockhead is unsecured from the portable electronic device. The securityapparatus further includes an actuator assembly coupled to the secondend of the force-transmission member. The actuator assembly is operableto actuate the force-transmission member to move the lock head betweenthe first position and the second position.

In yet still another embodiment, the invention provides a system forsecuring a portable electronic device. The system includes an enclosurehaving an outer wall and an opening formed in the outer wall. The systemalso includes a security apparatus having a force-transmission memberextending through the opening of the enclosure and having a first endand a second end. The security apparatus also includes a lock headcoupled to the first end of the force-transmission member so that thelock head is outside the enclosure. The lock head is configured toselectively engage the portable electronic device and is movable by thecable between a first position, in which the lock head is secured to theportable electronic device, and a second position, in which the lockhead is unsecured from the portable electronic device. The securityapparatus further includes an actuator assembly coupled to the secondend of the force-transmission member so that the actuator assembly islocated inside the enclosure. The actuator assembly is operable toactuate the force-transmission member to move the lock head between thefirst position and the second position.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a security apparatus embodying theinvention, the security apparatus including a lock head and an actuatorassembly.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the security apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the lock head of the securityapparatus of FIG. 1, with a portion of a body removed.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the lock head of the securityapparatus of FIG. 1 when in an unlocked position, with the portion ofthe body removed.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the lock head of the securityapparatus of FIG. 1 when in a locked position, with the portion of thebody removed.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator assembly of thesecurity apparatus of FIG. 1 when in the unlocked position, with aportion of a body removed.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator assembly of thesecurity apparatus of FIG. 1 when in the locked position, with theportion of the body removed.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are enlarged perspective views of portions of theactuator assembly of the security apparatus of FIG. 1 when in theunlocked position, with the body removed.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are enlarged perspective views of portions of theactuator assembly of the security apparatus of FIG. 1 when in a releasedposition, with the body removed.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are enlarged perspective view of portions of theactuator assembly of the security apparatus of FIG. 1 when in the lockedposition, with the body removed.

FIG. 11 is a perspective, partial cross-sectional view of the lock headof the security apparatus of FIG. 1 engaging a portable electronicdevice.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a slot in the portable electronic device shownin FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the slot in the portable electronicdevice shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the security apparatus ofFIG. 1 including a customizable housing assembly.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the security apparatus ofFIG. 1 including another customizable housing assembly.

FIG. 16 illustrates the security apparatus of FIG. 1 and the portableelectronic device.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the security apparatus taken alongsection line 18-18 of FIG. 17, with the security apparatus in anunlocked position.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the security apparatus taken alongsection line 18-18 of FIG. 17, with the security apparatus in a lockedposition.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the security apparatus taken alongsection line 23-23 of FIG. 22, with the security apparatus in anunlocked position.

FIG. 24 is a partially-transparent, perspective view of an actuatorassembly of the security apparatus of FIG. 22 when in the unlockedposition.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the security apparatus taken alongsection line 23-23 of FIG. 22, with the security apparatus in a lockedposition.

FIG. 26 is a partially-transparent, perspective view of the actuatorassembly of the security apparatus of FIG. 22 when in the lockedposition.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of a locking head of thesecurity apparatus of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of an actuatorassembly of the security apparatus of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention, the security apparatus in an unlocked position.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the security apparatus taken alongsection line 32-32 of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the security apparatus of FIG. 31 whenin a locked position.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the security apparatus taken alongsection line 34-34 of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 illustrates a system for securing portable electronic deviceswith security apparatuses that embody the invention.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention, the security apparatus in an unlocked position.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the security apparatus of FIG. 37 in alocked position.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 41 illustrates a locking head of the security apparatus of FIG. 40when in an unlocked position.

FIG. 42 illustrates the locking head of the security apparatus of FIG.40 when in a locked position.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 44 illustrates a locking head of the security apparatus of FIG. 43when in an unlocked position.

FIG. 45 illustrates the locking head of the security apparatus of FIG.43 when in a locked position.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 47 illustrates a locking head of the security apparatus of FIG. 46when in an unlocked position.

FIG. 48 illustrates the locking head of the security apparatus of FIG.46 when in a locked position.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of another security apparatus embodyingthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a security apparatus 100 embodying theinvention. The security apparatus 100 is configured to engage a portableelectronic device 104 (FIG. 16) (e.g., a tablet computer, a laptopcomputer, a smartphone, an mp3 player, an eReader, etc.) to secure theportable electronic device 104 at a location. The illustrated securityapparatus 100 includes a force-transmission member 108 (FIGS. 3-7), alock head 112, and an actuator assembly 116. The lock head 112 and theactuator assembly 116 are coupled to opposite ends of theforce-transmission member 108 so that the actuator assembly 116 islocated remote from the lock head 112. This arrangement positions theactuator assembly 116 apart from the portable electronic device 104 sothe actuator assembly 116 does not interfere with and/or block otherports, buttons, or sections of the portable electronic device 104.

As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the illustrated force-transmission member 108 isa cable having a length, a first end 120, and a second end 124. The lockhead 112 (FIGS. 3-5) is coupled to the first end 120 of the cable 108.The actuator assembly 116 (FIGS. 6-7) is coupled to the second end 124of the cable 108. As used herein, “end” refers to the portion of thecable 108 that is received in and coupled to the lock head 112 or theactuator assembly 116, and not necessarily to the absolute terminus ofthe cable 108. Connecting the lock head 112 and the actuator assembly116 to opposite ends of the cable 108 spaces the actuator assembly 116 adistance D (FIG. 2) from the lock head 112. The distance D is measuredalong the length of the cable 108 and is not necessarily the shortestdistance between the lock head 112 and the actuator assembly 116. Inaddition, the distance D is fixed in that even though the cable 108 maybend, the cable 108 does not compress. As such, the distance D betweenthe lock head 112 and the actuator assembly 116, when measured along thelength of the cable 108, remains constant.

An outer sheath 128 surrounds the cable 108 to protect and strengthenthe cable 108. The outer sheath 128 maintains the lock head 112 at thedistance D, along the length of the cable 108, from the actuatorassembly 116. The cable 108 is movable relative to the outer sheath 128to move and actuate the lock head 112. In the illustrated embodiment,the cable 108 slides within the outer sheath 128. The cable 108 and theouter sheath 128 are also flexible to allow the lock head 112 and theactuator assembly 116 to move relative to each other, yet still retainthe distance D between the lock head 112 and the actuator assembly 116.In other embodiments, the cable 108 and/or the outer sheath 128 may berigid structures that do not bend or flex. In some embodiments, thedistance D between the lock head 112 and the actuator assembly 116 is atleast 8 cm. In other embodiments, the distance D may be longer orshorter (e.g., 5 cm, 10 cm, 1 m, etc.), depending on the desiredapplication or use of the security apparatus 100.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the lock head 112 is coupled to the first end 120of the cable 108. At least a portion of the lock head 112 is configuredto be received in an opening or slot 132 formed in the portableelectronic device 104. When positioned within the slot 132, the lockhead 112 selectively engages the portable electronic device 104 tosecure the security apparatus 100 to the device 104. In particular, thelock head 112 is movable between a first, unlocked position (FIG. 4) anda second, locked position (FIG. 5).

The illustrated lock head 112 includes a body 136, an expandable portion140, a plunger 144, and a biasing member 148. A portion of the body 136is removed in FIGS. 3-5 to help illustrate the internal components ofthe lock head 112. The body 136 receives a portion of the outer sheath128 that is adjacent the first end 120 of the cable 108 to fix the lockhead 112 to the sheath 128. In some embodiments, the outer sheath 128may be clamped and/or glued within the body 136. The body 136 alsohouses and supports the other components of the lock head 112.

The expandable portion 140 is coupled to and extends outwardly from thebody 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable portion 140extends axially from the body 136 and is generally aligned with alongitudinal axis of the cable 108 when the cable 108 is straightened.The illustrated expandable portion 140 includes two spaced apart latches152. The latches 152, or tabs or fingers, are movable relative to thebody 136 between the unlocked position (FIG. 4) and the locked position(FIG. 5). An elastomeric element 156 (e.g., an O-ring or rubber band)surrounds the latches 152 to help bias the latches 152 toward theunlocked position. The elastomeric element 156 also seals an end of thebody 136. When in the unlocked position, the latches 152 are positionedradially inward so that the latches 152 are spaced apart from anddisengage the portable electronic device 104. In this position, the lockhead 112 can be inserted into and removed from the slot 132 in thedevice 104. When in the locked position, the latches 152 are moved(e.g., pivoted) away from each other and radially outward relative tothe body 136. In this position, the latches 152 engage the portableelectronic device 104 to secure the lock head 112 to the device 104. Inother embodiments, the expandable portion 140 may include other types orconfiguration of latches suitable for engaging the portable electronicdevice 104. For example, in some embodiments, the expandable portion 140may include latches that are at least partially composed of a resilientmaterial so that the latches are naturally biased toward the unlockedposition (e.g., toward each other). Additionally or alternatively, theexpandable portion 140 may include three or more latches or only asingle latch that engages the device 104.

The illustrated plunger 144, or wedge, is positioned partially withinthe body 136 and between the latches 152 of the expandable portion 140.In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger 144 includes a tapered ornarrow portion 160 and a flared or wide portion 164. The tapered portion160 of the plunger 144 is coupled to the first end 120 of the cable 108.The flared portion 164 of the plunger 144 is the distal, free end of theplunger 144. In operation, the cable 108 pulls the plunger 144 in thedirection of arrow A when actuated by the actuator assembly 116 to movethe lock head 112 from the unlocked position to the locked position.When the lock head 112 is in the unlocked position (FIG. 4), the taperedportion 160 of the plunger 144 is aligned with the latches 152 so thatthe latches 152 are biased radially inward by the elastomeric element156. When the lock head 112 is in the locked position (FIG. 5), theflared portion 164 is aligned with and engages the latches 152 to pushthe latches 152 radially outward.

The biasing member 148 is positioned within the body 136 and coupled tothe plunger 144. The biasing member 148 biases the plunger 144 towardthe unlocked position (i.e., in the direction opposite the arrow A) sothat the tapered portion 160 of the plunger 144 is aligned with thelatches 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 148 is acoil spring that is wrapped around the first end 120 of the cable 108.In other embodiments, other suitable biasing members may also oralternatively be employed.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the actuator assembly 116 is coupled to thesecond end 124 of the cable 108. The actuator assembly 116 is operableto actuate (e.g., pull) the cable 108 to move the lock head 112 betweenthe unlocked position and the locked position. The illustrated actuatorassembly 116 includes a body 168, a movable member 172, a manualactuator 176, and a lock mechanism 180. A portion of the body 168, orframe, is removed in FIGS. 6 and 7 to facilitate illustration of theinternal components of the actuator assembly 116. The body 168 receivesa portion of the outer sheath 128 adjacent the second end 124 of thecable 108 to fix the actuator assembly 116 to the sheath 128. In someembodiments, the outer sheath 128 may be clamped and/or glued within thebody 168. The body 168 houses and supports the other components of theactuator assembly 116.

The movable member 172 is positioned within the body 168 and coupled tothe second end 124 of the cable 108 by a ferrule 182. The ferrule 182 issecured to the cable 108 and abuts the movable member 172 such thatmovement of the member 172 also moves the ferrule 182 and the cable 108.The illustrated movable member 172 is a ramp including a first inclinedor ramped surface 184 that cooperates with the manual actuator 176. Asshown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the movable member 172 also includes aprojection 188, or tooth, having an inclined or ramped surface 192 and astop surface 196 that cooperate with the lock mechanism 180. In theillustrated embodiment, the first ramped surface 184 is formed in anupper surface of the movable member 172, and the second ramped surface192 and the stop surface 196 are formed in a side of the movable member172. The movable member 172 is movable within the body 168 toselectively pull and release the cable 108. When the movable member 172pulls the cable 108, the cable 108 in turn pulls the plunger 144 (FIGS.4 and 5) to move the lock head 112 to the locked position. When themovable member 172 releases the cable 108, slack is created in the cable108 so that a biasing member 200 biases the movable member 172 towardthe lock head 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 200is a coil spring that surrounds a portion of the cable 108. In otherembodiments, other suitable types of biasing members may also oralternatively be employed.

Referring back to FIGS. 6 and 7, the manual actuator 176 is supported byand extends out of the body 168. In the illustrated embodiment, theactuator 176 is a push button that is depressible by a user to move theactuator 176 relative to the body 168. In other embodiments, othersuitable actuators (e.g., levers, dials, etc.) may also or alternativelybe employed. The actuator 176 includes an inclined or ramped surface 204that engages the first ramped surface 184 of the movable member 172. Theactuator 176 is movable between a first, extended position (FIGS. 6 and8A-8B) and a second, depressed position (FIGS. 7 and 9A-10B). When inthe first position, the actuator 176 is fully extended from the body168. In this position, the movable member 172 can move toward the lockhead 112 under the force from the biasing member 200, thereby releasingthe cable 108 so that the lock head 112 is movable to the unlockedposition. When in the second position, the actuator 176 is depressedrelative to the body 168. In this position, the movable member 172 ispushed away from the lock head 112 against the force from the biasingmember 200, thereby pulling the cable 108 to move the lock head 112 tothe locked position.

As shown in FIGS. 8A, 9A, and 10A, the illustrated lock mechanism 180includes a lock cylinder 208, a lock member 212, and a biasing member216. The lock cylinder 208 is positioned within the body 168 and isconfigured to receive a key. In the illustrated embodiment, the key isoperable to selectively unlock the lock mechanism 180 and, thereby,selectively allow movement of the actuator 176 relative to the body 168and the movable member 172. In other embodiments, the key may beoperable to both selectively lock and unlock the lock mechanism 180. Thelock member 212, or toggle, is coupled to an end of the lock cylinder208 for movement relative to the lock cylinder 208. The illustrated lockmember 212 includes a projection 220 extending toward and engaging themovable member 172. The projection 220 includes an inclined or rampedsurface 224 and a back surface 228. The ramped surface 224 defines arecess 232 that is shaped and sized to receive the tooth 188 of themovable member 172. The recess 232 divides the projection 220 into twolobes 220A, 220B (FIGS. 8B, 9B, and 10B). The back surface 228 is formedon the second lobe 220B. The lock member 212 is movable (e.g.,rotatable) between a first position (FIGS. 8A-8B and 10A-10B), in whichthe projection 220 extends toward the movable member 172, and a secondposition (FIGS. 9A-9B), in which the projection 220 is pivoted away fromthe movable member 172 (e.g., downward in the figures). The biasingmember 216 is coupled to the lock member 212 to bias the lock member 212toward the first position. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasingmember 216 is a torsion spring. In other embodiments, other suitablebiasing members may also or alternatively be employed.

FIGS. 8A-10B illustrate operation of the actuator assembly 116.Initially, when the security apparatus 100 is in the unlocked position(FIGS. 8A-8B), the manual actuator 176 is in the extended position, themovable member 172 is pushed by the biasing member 200 toward the lockhead 112, and the lock member 212 extends toward the movable member 172so that the recess 232 receives the tooth 188. From this position, themanual actuator 176 can be depressed by a user to move the securityapparatus 100 to the locked position. In particular, depressing themanual actuator 176 in the direction of arrow B causes the rampedsurface 204 of the actuator 176 to push against the first ramped surface184 of the movable member 172. The movable member 172 is then pushedaway from the lock head 112. As the movable member 172 moves away fromthe lock head 112, the second ramped surface 192 on the tooth 188 pushesagainst the ramped surface 224 of the lock member 212, causing the lockmember 212 to rotate in the direction of arrow C, as shown in FIGS.9A-9B. The lock member 212 continues to rotate until the projection 220(more particularly, the second lobe 220B) clears the apex of the tooth188. Once the projection 220 clears the tooth 188, the lock member 212is automatically rotated in the direction opposite arrow C under theforce of the biasing member 216 to extend back toward the movable member172, as shown in FIGS. 10A-B. In this position, the back surface 228 ofthe projection 220 engages the stop surface 196 of the tooth 188 toinhibit movement of the movable member 172 toward the lock head 112. Thelock mechanism 180, thereby, holds the manual actuator 176, the movablemember 172, and the lock head 112 in the locked position.

To release the lock head 112 from the locked position, a suitable key isinserted into the lock cylinder 208 and turned to move (e.g., rotate)the projection 220 of the lock member 212 temporarily out of engagementwith the movable member 172. In particular, actuating the lock mechanism180 with the key rotates the lock member 212 in the direction of arrow C(FIGS. 8A and 9A). As the lock member 212 rotates, the back surface 228on the projection 220 slides along the stop surface 196 of the tooth188. Once the projection 220 clears the tooth 188, the movable member172 is movable back toward the lock head 112 under the force of thebiasing member 200. Moving the movable member 172 toward the lock head112 releases the cable 108 so that the lock head 112 also moves to theunlocked position. In addition, moving the movable member 172 toward thelock head 112 raises the manual actuator 176 back to the extendedposition (i.e., in the direction opposite arrow B). The manual actuator176, the movable member 172, and the lock head 112 are then held in theunlocked position until the actuator 176 is depressed again.

In other embodiments, the cable 108 may be a different type offorce-transmission member. For example, the force-transmission member108 extending between the lock head 112 and the actuator assembly 116may be a rigid structure, such as a rod. In this arrangement, theactuator assembly 116 may push the rigid force-transmission member (and,thereby, the plunger 144) to move the security apparatus 100 to thereleased position. In addition, the actuator assembly 116 may pull therigid force-transmission member (and, thereby, the plunger 144) to movethe security apparatus 100 to the locked position. With such anarrangement, the biasing members 148, 200 may be omitted.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the actuator assembly also includes amount 236 extending from the body 168. The mount 236 is configured toreceive a security cable 240 (FIG. 16). The security cable 240 is fixedwithin the mount 236 and secured to an immovable object (e.g., a desk, atable, a wall, etc.) to secure the security apparatus 100, and thereby aconnected portable electronic device, to the immovable object. Theillustrated mount 236 includes a first portion 244 that is fixed to thebody 168 and a second portion 248 that is pivotally coupled to the firstportion 244. The second portion 248 defines a bore 252 that receives thesecurity cable 240. The pivotal connection between the first and secondportions 244, 248 allows the security cable 240 to be oriented indifferent directions relative to the body 168. In other embodiments, theactuator assembly 116 may be directly bolted, glued, or otherwisesecured to an immovable object. In such embodiments, the mount 236 andthe security cable 240 may be omitted.

FIG. 11 illustrates the security apparatus 100 engaging the slot 132 inthe portable electronic device 104. The security apparatus 100 isdesigned to take up a minimal amount of space immediately adjacent thedevice 104 so that the apparatus 100 does not interfere with or blockother portions of the device 104. The illustrated locking head 112 ofthe security apparatus 100 has a length L, a width W, and a height H. Insome embodiments, the length L is between about 15 mm and about 40 mm,the width W is between about 8 mm and about 15 mm, and the height H isbetween about 5 mm and about 11 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, thelength L is about 28 mm, the width W is about 11.5 mm, and the height His about 8 mm. The end profile of the locking head 112 (i.e., the end ofthe locking head 112 that faces the portable electronic device 104),therefore, is relatively small compared to other locking heads on themarket. In other embodiments, other suitable dimensions of the lockinghead 112 that take up a minimal amount of space immediately adjacent theslot 132 may also be possible.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the slot 132 in the portable electronicdevice 104 is dimensioned to receive the expandable portion 140 of thelocking head 112. The illustrated slot 132 has an opening width W_(O), aclearance width W_(C), a slot height H_(S), a wall thickness T_(W), anda clearance depth D_(C). The opening width W_(O) is the width of theslot 132 at the exterior surface of the portable electronic device 104.The clearance width W_(C) is the width of the slot 132 inside the device104 to provide clearance for the expandable portion 140 to expand. Theslot height H_(S) is the height of the slot 132 at the exterior surfaceof the portable electronic device 104. The wall thickness T_(W) is thethickness of an exterior wall of the device 104 that defines the slot132 and that is engaged by the expandable portion 140 of the lockinghead 112. The clearance depth D_(C) is the depth or length of the slot132 into the device 104 beyond the exterior wall. In some embodiments,the opening width W_(O) is between about 6 mm and about 8 mm, theclearance width W_(C) is at least about 9 mm, the slot height H_(S) isbetween about 2 mm and about 4 mm, the wall thickness T_(W) is betweenabout 3 mm and about 5 mm, and the clearance depth D_(C) is at leastabout 4 mm. In such embodiments, the slot 132 has a total depth into thedevice 104 that is between about 7 mm and about 10 mm. In theillustrated embodiment, the opening width W_(O) is about 7 mm, the slotheight H_(S) is about 3 mm, and the wall thickness T_(W) is about 4 mm.In other embodiments, other suitable slot dimensions may also bepossible.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the security apparatus 100 with customizablehousing assemblies 256A-C, 260A-C. The housing assemblies 256A-C, 260A-Care positioned over the actuator assembly 116 to provide differentvisual appearances and/or tactile properties to the apparatus 100. Forexample, the housing assemblies 256A-C, 260A-C may be removable andinterchangeable to provide different colors, as desired by a user.Additionally or alternatively, the housing assemblies 256A-C, 260A-C mayinclude different indicia for various logos, brands, or otheridentifiers, as desired for particular applications.

As shown in FIG. 14, each of the illustrated housing assemblies 256A-Cincludes two clamshell covers 264A-C that surround an inner frame 268 ofthe actuator assembly 116. The clamshell covers 264A-C may be formed of,for example, a plastic material and may snap together to substantiallycover the inner frame 268. In contrast, the inner frame 268 of theactuator assembly 116 may be composed of, for example, die cast zinc orother relatively hard metallic materials. Together, the clamshell covers264A-C and the inner frame 268 form the body 168 of the actuatorassembly 116.

As shown in FIG. 15, each of the illustrated housing assemblies 260A-Cincludes a rubber outer ring 272A-C that surrounds the inner frame 268of the actuator assembly 116. The outer rings 272A-C may be formed of anelastomeric material such that the rings 272A-C can stretch and deformto substantially cover the inner frame 268. The outer rings 272A-C alsoprovide a softer surface than the metallic inner frame 268 to absorbimpacts in case the actuator assembly 116 is accidentally dropped and/orimpacts another surface. Furthermore, the outer rings 272A-C have highercoefficients of friction than the metallic inner frame 268 to inhibitthe actuator assembly 116 from freely sliding along a surface. Together,the outer ring 272A-C and the inner frame 268 form the body 168 of theactuator assembly 116. In some embodiments, the clamshell covers 264A-Cand the rubber outer rings 272A-C may be used in combination (e.g., oneof the outer rings 272A-C may surround one of the clamshell covers264A-C). In other embodiments, the clamshell covers 264A-C and the outerrings 272A-C may be omitted.

FIG. 16 illustrates the security apparatus 100 in use with the portableelectronic device 104. The illustrated portable electronic device 104 isa laptop computer. The laptop computer 104 includes a housing 276 thatis divided into a monitor portion 280 and a base portion 284. Themonitor and base portions 280, 284 are pivotally coupled together. Themonitor portion 280 supports a screen 288. The base portion 284 supportsinput devices 292 (e.g., a keyboard and a touchpad). In the illustratedembodiment, the slot 132 is formed in the base portion 284 between twoUSB ports 296. When the lock head 112 is inserted into the slot 132 andmoved to the locked position, the security apparatus 100 is secured tothe laptop computer 104. The security apparatus 100, in turn, is securedto an immovable object by the security cable 240 so that the laptopcomputer 104 is secured to the immovable object. In addition, theactuator assembly 116 is spaced apart or positioned away from the laptopcomputer 104 so that the actuator assembly 116 does not block orinterfere with the USB ports 296 (or any other ports, buttons,connectors, etc.) on the base portion 284.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate another security apparatus 300. The securityapparatus 300 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 300 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 300 includes a cable 304, an outer sheath308, a lock head 312, and an actuator assembly 316.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the lock head 312 is coupled to a first end320 of the cable 304. The illustrated lock head 312 includes a body 324,an expandable portion 328, a plunger 332, and a biasing member 336. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the expandable portion 328 includes twolatches 340 that are integrally formed with the body 324. In otherembodiments, the latches 340 may be discrete elements that are separatefrom the body 324. The illustrated plunger 332 is coupled to the cable304 by a bushing 344. Similar to the lock head 112 described above, whenthe plunger 332 is actuated (e.g., pulled by the cable 304), the latches340 move radially outward. As the latches 340 move (e.g., flex)outwardly, the latches 340 engage a portable electronic device to securethe lock head 312 to the device. When the cable 304 is released, thebiasing member 336 returns the plunger 332 to an extended position (FIG.18) so that the latches 340 can move radially inward. As the latches 340move inwardly, the latches 340 disengage the portable electronic deviceso that the lock head 312 is unsecured from the device.

The actuator assembly 316 is coupled to a second end 348 of the cable304. The actuator assembly 316 is operable to actuate (e.g., pull) thecable 304 and, thereby, the plunger 332 in the lock head 312. Theillustrated actuator assembly 316 includes a body 352, a movable member356, a biasing member 360, a lever 364, and a lock mechanism 368. Thebody 352 is fixed to the outer sheath 308 adjacent the second end 348 ofthe cable 304. The body 352 houses and supports the other components ofthe actuator assembly. The body 352 also defines a pair of openings 372for receiving a security cable (e.g., the security cable 240 shown inFIG. 16). The security cable can be threaded through the openings 372and secured to an immovable object to secure the security apparatus 300,and thereby the portable electronic device, to the immovable object.

The movable member 356 is positioned within the body 352 and coupled tothe second end 348 of the cable 304. The illustrated movable member 356is a lock block that is movable within the body 352 to pull and releasethe cable 304. The biasing member 360 biases the movable member 356toward the lock head 312 to release the cable 304. In the illustratedembodiment, the biasing member 360 is a coil spring that is wrappedaround the cable 304. In other embodiments, other suitable biasingmembers may also or alternatively be employed.

The lever 364 is positioned within the body 352 and coupled to the lockmechanism 368. The lever 364 is operable to pivot relative to the body352 to move the movable member 356. The illustrated lever 364 pivotsbetween a first position (FIG. 18), in which the movable member 356 isallowed to move toward the lock head 312 under the force from thebiasing member 360, and a second position (FIG. 19), in which the lever364 pushes the movable member 356 away from the lock head 312 againstthe biasing member 360. The lever 364 can be secured in either positionby the lock mechanism 368.

As shown in FIG. 17, the illustrated lock mechanism 368 is a cylinderlock that extends generally perpendicularly from the body 352 (relativeto a longitudinal axis of the cable 304 when the cable 304 extendsstraight from the actuator assembly 316). The lock mechanism 368 isconfigured to receive a key 376 to selectively lock and unlock the lockmechanism 368. In this embodiment, the key 376 functions as a manualactuator. When the lock mechanism 368 is unlocked (e.g., when the key376 is turned in a first direction), the lever 364 is pivoted to thefirst position (FIG. 18) so that the movable member 356 can slide towardthe lock head 312 under the force of the biasing member 360. In thisposition, the movable member 356 releases the cable 304 to allow theexpandable portion 328 to relax radially inward. When the lock mechanism368 is locked (e.g., when the key 376 is turned in a second direction),the lever 364 is pivoted to the second position (FIG. 19) so that thelever 364 pushes the movable member 356 away from the lock head 312against the force of the biasing member 360. In this position, themovable member 356 pulls the cable 304 to move the plunger 332 andexpand the expandable portion 328.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate security apparatuses 400, 500 that aresimilar to the security apparatus 300 of FIGS. 17-19, and like partshave been given the same reference numbers. The actuator assembly 316 ofthe security apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 20, however, includes a body452 that is generally circular in cross-section. The body 452 defines anopening 472 for receiving a security cable (e.g., the security cable 240shown in FIG. 16). The actuator assembly 316 of the security apparatus500 shown in FIG. 21 includes a body 552 having flattened, opposingsides 556 such that the body 552 is oblong in cross-section. The body552 also defines an opening 572 for receiving a security cable (e.g.,the security cable 240 shown in FIG. 16).

FIGS. 22-26 illustrate another security apparatus 600. The securityapparatus 600 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 600 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 600 includes a cable 604, an outer sheath608, a lock head 612, and an actuator assembly 616. The cable 604, theouter sheath 608, and the lock head 612 are substantially the same asthe cable 108, the outer sheath 128, and the lock head 112 discussedabove.

As shown in FIGS. 23-26, the actuator assembly 616 is coupled to an end620 of the cable 604 opposite from the lock head 612. The actuatorassembly 616 is operable to actuate (e.g., pull) the cable 604 to movethe lock head 612 between an unlocked position (FIG. 23) and a lockedposition (FIG. 25). The illustrated actuator assembly 616 includes abody 624, a movable member 628, two biasing members 632, 636, and a lockmechanism 640. The body 624 is fixed to the outer sheath 608 adjacentthe end 620 of the cable 604. The body 624 houses and supports the othercomponents of the actuator assembly 616. The body 624 also defines apair of openings 644 for receiving a security cable (e.g., the securitycable 240 shown in FIG. 16) that secures the actuator assembly 616 to animmovable object.

The movable member 628 is positioned within the body 624 and coupled tothe end 620 of the cable 604. The illustrated movable member 628 is acam follower that is movable within the body 624 to pull and release thecable 604. The biasing members 632, 636 bias the movable member 628toward the lock head 612 to release the cable 604. In the illustratedembodiment, the biasing members 632, 636 are coil springs that arewrapped around the cable 604. The first biasing member 632 extendsbetween an inner surface of the body 624 and the movable member 628. Thesecond biasing member 636 extends between a sleeve 648 secured to thecable 604 and the movable member 628. In other embodiments, othersuitable biasing members may also or alternatively be employed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lock mechanism 640 is a cylinder lockthat extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cable 604(when the cable 604 extends straight from the actuator assembly 616).The lock mechanism 640 includes a cam 652 that engages the movablemember 628. The lock mechanism 640 is also configured to receive a keyto selectively rotate the lock mechanism 640 and, more particular, thecam 652. In this embodiment, the key functions as a manual actuator.When the lock mechanism 640 is rotated by the key to the unlockedposition (FIGS. 23 and 24), the cam 652 allows the movable member 628 tobe pushed by the biasing members 632, 636 toward the lock head 616. Inthis position, the cable 604 is released so that the lock head 612 is inthe unlocked position. When the lock mechanism 640 is rotated by the keyto the locked position (FIGS. 25 and 26), the cam 652 pushes the movablemember 628 against the force of the biasing members 632, 636. In thisposition, the cable 604 is pulled by the movable member 628 to move thelock head 612 to the locked position.

FIG. 27 illustrates a security apparatus 700 that is similar to thesecurity apparatus 600 shown in FIGS. 22-26, and like parts have beengiven the same reference numbers. The actuator assembly 616 of thesecurity apparatus 700 shown in FIG. 27, however, has a generallycylindrical body 724, rather than the mailbox-shaped body 624 shown inFIG. 22. In addition, the cylindrical body 724 includes a rippled outersurface 728 to facilitate handling the actuator assembly 616. Thecylindrical body 724 also includes a boss 732 extending radially from amid portion of the body 724. The boss 732 is configured to receive aportion of a security cable to connect the actuator assembly 616 to animmovable object.

FIGS. 28-30 illustrate another security apparatus 800. The securityapparatus 800 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 800 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 800 includes a cable 804, an outer sheath808, a lock head 812, and an actuator assembly 816.

As shown in FIG. 29, the lock head 812 includes an expandable portion820 and a plunger 824. The expandable portion 820 is fixed to the outersheath 808. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable portion 820includes four collet tabs 828. The collet tabs 828 are movable (e.g.,flexible) radially outward and away from each from an unlocked positionto a locked position. When the collet tabs 828 move radially outward tothe locked position, the tabs 828 can engage a portable electronicdevice to secure the lock head 812 to the device. When the collet tabs828 move radially inward to the unlocked position, the tabs 828disengage the portable electronic device such that the lock head 812 canbe removed from the device. The illustrated collet tabs 828 areconfigured to fit within and engage a circular opening in a portableelectronic device, rather than the rectangular slot or opening 132 shownin FIGS. 11-13 and 16.

The plunger 824 is positioned within the expandable portion 820 andcoupled to the cable 804. The illustrated plunger 824 is generallyconical in shape with a flared (i.e., larger diameter), distal free end832. Similar to the plunger 144 discussed above, the illustrated plunger824 is movable with the cable 804 relative to the expandable portion 820to push the collet tabs 828 radially outward and into the lockedposition.

As shown in FIG. 30, the actuator assembly 816 is coupled to an end 836of the cable 804 opposite from the lock head 812. The actuator assembly816 is operable to actuate (e.g., pull) the cable 804 to move the lockhead 812 between the unlocked position and the locked position. Theillustrated actuator assembly 816 includes a body 840, a movable member844, and a lock mechanism 848. The body 840 is fixed to the outer sheath808 adjacent the end 836 of the cable 804. The body 840 houses andsupports the other components of the actuator assembly 816.

The movable member 844 extends from the lock mechanism 848 and iscoupled to the end 836 of the cable 804. The illustrated movable member844 is a lever that is pivoted by the lock mechanism 848 to push andpull the cable 804 toward and away from the lock head 812. When thelever 844 is pivoted to pull the cable 804 away from the lock head 812,the cable 804 pulls the plunger 824 to expand the collet tabs 828. Whenthe lever 844 is pivoted to push or release the cable 804, the cable 804allows the flared end 832 of the plunger 824 to slide axially out of theexpandable portion 820 so that the collet tabs 828 can relax radiallyinward. In some embodiments, a biasing member may be coupled to theplunger 832 and/or the movable member 844 to bias the security apparatus800 to the unlocked position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lock mechanism 848 is a cylinder locksupported by the body 840. The lock mechanism 848 is directly coupled tothe movable member 844 to pivot the movable member 844. The lockmechanism 848 is also configured to receive a key to selectively rotatethe lock mechanism 848. In this embodiment, the key functions as amanual actuator. When the lock mechanism 848 is rotated by the key tothe unlocked position, the lever 844 pushes the cable 804. In thisposition, the cable 804 is released so that the lock head 812 is movedto the unlocked position. When the lock mechanism 848 is rotated by thekey to the locked position, the lever 844 pulls the cable 804. In thisposition, the cable 804 is tensioned so that the lock head 812 is movedto the locked position.

FIGS. 31-34 illustrate another security apparatus 900. The securityapparatus 900 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 900 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 900 includes a cable 904, an outer sheath908, a lock head 912, and an actuator assembly 916. The cable 904, theouter sheath 908, and the lock head 912 are substantially the same asthe cable 304, the outer sheath 308, and the lock head 312 shown inFIGS. 17-19.

The illustrated actuator assembly 916 includes a body 920 and a manualactuator 924. Unlike the previously-described versions of securityapparatuses, the actuator assembly 916 does not include a lockmechanism. The manual actuator 924 is pivotally coupled to the body 920.In the illustrated embodiment, the manual actuator 924 includes a handle928 and a flange 932. The handle 928 is configured to be grasped by auser to pivot the actuator 924. The flange 932 is secured to an end 936of the cable 904 to selectively move the cable 904. When the actuator924 is pivoted to an unlocked position (FIGS. 31 and 32), the flange 932is moved flush with a rear surface 940 of the body 924. In addition, thehandle 928 is pivoted at least slightly away from an upper surface 944of the body 920. In this position, the flange 932 pushes or releases thecable 904 so that the lock head 912 moves to the unlocked position. Whenthe actuator 924 is pivoted to the locked position (FIGS. 33 and 34),the flange 932 is moved away from the rear surface 940 of the body 920.In addition, the handle 928 is pivoted to lie flat on the upper surface944 of the body 920. In this position, the flange 932 pulls the cable904 so that the lock head 912 moves to the locked position.

In some embodiments, the manual actuator 924 may be biased to either theunlocked position or the locked position. For example, the actuator 924may be biased by a biasing member (e.g., a torsion spring) toward theunlocked position. In such embodiments, the body 920, the handle 928,and/or the flange 932 may include a lock, latch, detent, magnet, orother securement mechanism to hold the actuator 924 in the lockedposition. Alternatively, the actuator 924 may be biased by a biasingmember toward the locked position. In such embodiments, a user maytemporarily actuate the actuator 924 to the unlocked position, connectthe lock head 912 to a portable electronic device while the actuator isactuated 924, and then release the actuator 924 to secure the securityapparatus 900 to the device.

In other embodiments, the manual actuator 924 may be configured as anover-center latch that moves to either the unlocked position or theunlocked position, but does not remain in any intermediate positions.

FIG. 35 illustrates a system 1000 for securing or locking a plurality ofportable electronic devices 1004 in place. In the illustratedembodiment, the portable electronic devices 1004 are tablet computers.The illustrated system 1000 includes a plurality of the securityapparatuses 900 and an enclosure 1008. Each security apparatus 900 isconnected to one of the portable electronic devices 1004. Although theillustrated security apparatuses 900 do not include lock mechanisms, inother embodiments the apparatuses 900 may also include individual lockmechanisms. More particularly, any of the security apparatuses describedherein may be used in place of the security apparatuses 900 shown in thefigure.

The illustrated enclosure 1008 is a cabinet including an outer wall1012. The outer wall 1012 defines an interior volume 1016 of the cabinet1008 and has two doors 1020 that provide selective access to theinterior volume 1016. A relatively small hole or opening 1024 is formedin the outer wall 1012 and in communication with the interior volume1016. The cables and the outer sheaths 908 of the security apparatuses900 extend through the opening 1024 such that the lock heads 912 (andthe attached portable electronic devices 1004) are positioned andaccessible from outside of the cabinet 1008, but the actuator assemblies916 are positioned inside the cabinet 908. The hole 1024 is sized to besmaller than the actuator assemblies 916 so that the actuator assemblies916 cannot be pulled out of the cabinet 1008 through the hole 1024. Thecabinet 1008 encloses the actuator assemblies 916 to inhibitunauthorized users from accessing the actuator assemblies 916 and,thereby, releasing (i.e., unlocking) the portable electronic devices1004. The cabinet 1008 itself can be locked and require a key,combination, passcode, biometric identifier, wireless signal (e.g., RFIDor Bluetooth signal), or the like to be unlocked. In other embodiments,other suitable types of enclosures may be used to store and secure theactuator assemblies 916 of the security apparatuses 900 in a remotelocation.

FIG. 36 illustrates another security apparatus 1100. The securityapparatus 1100 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 1100 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 1100 includes a cable, an outer sheath1108, a lock head 1112, and an actuator assembly 1116. The cable, theouter sheath 1108, and the actuator assembly 1116 are substantially thesame as the cable 108, the outer sheath 128, and the actuator assembly116 shown in FIGS. 1-16.

The lock head 1112 is coupled to an end of the cable opposite theactuator assembly 1116. The lock head 1112 includes a body 1120 havingan opening 1124. The opening 1124 is configured to receive a portion ofa portable electronic device 1128 to secure the lock head 1112 to thedevice 1128. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 1124 receives aboss 1132 extending from a housing 1136 of the portable electronicdevice 1128. Gate structures (not shown) positioned within the body 1120selectively engage the boss 1132 when the boss 1132 is inserted into theopening 1128. The illustrated lock head 1112 and boss 1132 may besimilar to the locking heads and attachment devices disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 7,997,106, issued Aug. 16, 2011, the entire contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference. The gate structures of theillustrated lock head 1112 are coupled to the cable such that actuatingthe actuator assembly 1116 moves the gate structures into and out ofengagement with the boss 1132. When the gate structures engage the boss1132, the lock head 1112 is secured to the portable electronic device1128. When the gate structures disengage the boss 1132, the lock head1112 is removable from the portable electronic device 1128.

FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate another security apparatus 1200. The securityapparatus 1200 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 1200 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 1200 includes a cable, an outer sheath1208, a lock head 1212, and an actuator assembly 1216. The cable, theouter sheath 1208, and the actuator assembly 1216 are substantially thesame as the cable 108, the outer sheath 128, and the actuator assembly116 shown in FIGS. 1-16.

The illustrated lock head 1212 includes a body 1220 and two wedges 1224,1228. The body 1220 is secured to an end of the cable opposite from theactuator assembly 1216. The first wedge 1224 is a stationary wedge. Thestationary wedge 1224 extends axially from an end 1232 of the body 1220.The second wedge 1228 is a movable wedge. The movable wedge 1228 alsoextends axially from the end 1232 of the body 1220 and is coupled to thecable to move with the cable. When the movable wedge 1228 is in anunlocked position (FIG. 37), the wedge 1228 is slid into the body. Inthis position, the wedges 1224, 1228 can be inserted into or removedfrom a slot in a portable electronic device. When the movable wedge 1228is in a locked position (FIG. 38), the wedge 1228 is slid out of thebody. In this position, the wedges 1224, 1228 engage the portableelectronic device to secure the lock head 1212 to the device.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator assembly 1216 and the cableare reconfigured compared to previous versions of security apparatusesso that the cable is pushed to move the movable wedge 1228 to the lockedposition and is released to move the movable wedge 1228 to the unlockedposition.

FIG. 39 illustrates another security apparatus 1300. The securityapparatus 1300 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 1300 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 1300 includes a cable, an outer sheath1308, a lock head 1312, and an actuator assembly 1316. The cable, theouter sheath 1308, and the lock head 1312 are substantially the same asthe cable 108, the outer sheath 128, and the lock head 112 shown inFIGS. 1-16.

The illustrated actuator assembly 1316 includes a body 1320, a manualactuator 1324, and a lock mechanism 1328. The manual actuator 1324 issupported by and extends from the body 1320. In the illustratedembodiment, the manual actuator 1324 is a push button. The lockmechanism 1328 is also supported by the body 1320. In the illustratedembodiment, the lock mechanism 1328 includes a combination lock 1332having four rotatable dials 1336. Each dial 1336 includes a series ofnumbers (e.g., 0 to 9) formed on the outer surface of the dial 1336. Thedials 1336 may be rotated to input a proper combination into the lockmechanism 1328, thereby unlocking the lock mechanism 1328. When thecorrect combination is entered, the lock mechanism 1328 may function ina similar manner as the lock mechanism 180 shown in FIGS. 8A-10B tounlock the lock head 1312. In the illustrated embodiment, the dials 1336rotate about an axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axisof the cable (when the cable is straightened), providing a generallyin-line configuration for the lock mechanism 1328.

FIGS. 40-42 illustrate another security apparatus 1400. The securityapparatus 1400 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 1400 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 1400 includes a cable, an outer sheath1408, a lock head 1412, and an actuator assembly 1416. The cable, theouter sheath 1408, and the actuator assembly 1416 are substantially thesame as the cable 108, the outer sheath 128, and the actuator assembly116 shown in FIGS. 1-16.

The lock head 1412 is coupled to an end of the cable opposite from theactuator assembly 1416. The illustrated lock head includes a body 1420,an expandable portion 1424, and a plunger 1428. In the illustratedembodiment, the expandable portion 1424 includes four latches 1432, orfingers, that are configured to fit within a square-shaped opening 1436in a portable electronic device 1440. FIG. 41 illustrates the latches1432 in an unlocked position. In this position, the expandable portion1424 can be inserted into and removed from the opening 1436. FIG. 42illustrates the latches 1432 in a locked position. In this position, theexpandable portion 1424 engages the portable electronic device 1440 tosecure the lock head 1412 to the device 1440.

FIGS. 43-45 illustrate another security apparatus 1500. The securityapparatus 1500 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 1500 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 1500 includes a cable, an outer sheath1508, a lock head 1512, and an actuator assembly 1516. The cable, theouter sheath 1508, and the actuator assembly 1516 are substantially thesame as the cable 108, the outer sheath 128, and the actuator assembly116 shown in FIGS. 1-16.

The lock head 1512 is coupled to an end of the cable opposite from theactuator assembly 1516. The illustrated lock head 1512 includes a body1520, an expandable portion 1524, and a plunger 1528. In the illustratedembodiment, the expandable portion 1524 includes three latches 1532, orfingers, that are configured to fit within a triangular-shaped opening1536 in a portable electronic device 1540. FIG. 44 illustrates thelatches 1532 in an unlocked position. In this position, the expandableportion 1524 can be inserted into and removed from the opening 1536.FIG. 45 illustrates the latches 1532 in a locked position. In thisposition, the expandable portion 1524 engages the portable electronicdevice 1540 to secure the lock head 1512 to the device 1540.

FIGS. 46-48 illustrate another security apparatus 1600. The securityapparatus 1600 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 1600 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 1600 includes a cable, an outer sheath1608, a lock head 1612, and an actuator assembly 1616. The cable, theouter sheath 1608, and the actuator assembly 1616 are substantially thesame as the cable 108, the outer sheath 128, and the actuator assembly116 shown in FIGS. 1-16.

The lock head 1612 is coupled to an end of the cable opposite from theactuator assembly 1616. The illustrated lock head 1612 includes a body1620, an expandable portion 1624, and a plunger 1628. In the illustratedembodiment, the expandable portion 1624 includes four latches 1632, orfingers, that are configured to fit within a circular-shaped opening1636 in a portable electronic device 1640. FIG. 47 illustrates thelatches 1632 in an unlocked position. In this position, the expandableportion 1624 can be inserted into and removed from the opening 1636.FIG. 48 illustrates the latches 1632 in a locked position. In thisposition, the expandable portion 1624 engages the portable electronicdevice 1640 to secure the lock head 1612 to the device 1640.

FIG. 49 illustrates another security apparatus 1700. The securityapparatus 1700 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 1700 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 1700 includes a cable, an outer sheath1708, a lock head 1712, and an actuator assembly 1716. The cable, theouter sheath 1708, and the actuator assembly 1716 are substantially thesame as the cable 108, the outer sheath 128, and the actuator assembly116 shown in FIGS. 1-16.

The lock head 1712 is coupled to an end of the cable opposite from theactuator assembly 1716. The illustrated lock head 1712 includes a body1720 and an expandable portion 1724. In the illustrated embodiment, theexpandable portion 1724 is a scissor-type mechanism. The scissor-typemechanism 1724 is configured to fit within a slot in a portableelectronic device. In particular, the scissor-type mechanism includestwo latches 1728, or fingers, that are pivotally coupled to each other.When the actuator assembly 1716 is actuated to pull the cable, the cablecauses the latches 1728 to pivot radially outward. As the latches 1728pivot outwardly, the latches 1728 engage the portable electronic deviceto secure the lock head 1712 to the device.

FIG. 50 illustrates a security apparatus 1800 that is similar to thesecurity apparatus 1700 shown in FIG. 49, and like parts have been giventhe same reference numbers. The lock head 1712 of the security apparatus1800 of FIG. 50, however, includes a relatively larger scissor-typemechanism 1824 (e.g., larger latches or fingers 1828) that are operableto engage a relatively larger slot in a portable electronic device.

FIG. 51 illustrates another security apparatus 1900. The securityapparatus 1900 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16 and to the security apparatus 1300discussed above with reference to FIG. 39. Reference is made to thedescription of the security apparatuses 100, 1300 above for details ofthe structure and operation of the security apparatus 1900 not includedbelow. The illustrated security apparatus 1900 includes a cable, anouter sheath 1908, a lock head 1912, and an actuator assembly 1916. Thecable, the outer sheath 1908, and the lock head 1912 are substantiallythe same as the cable 108, the outer sheath 128, and the lock head 112shown in FIGS. 1-16.

The illustrated actuator assembly 1916 includes a body 1920, a manualactuator 1924, and a lock mechanism 1928. The manual actuator 1924 issupported by the body 1920. In the illustrated embodiment, the manualactuator 1924 is a slidable lever or switch positioned on an outersurface of the body 1920. The lock mechanism 1928 is also supported bythe body 1920. Similar to the lock mechanism 1328 (FIG. 39) discussedabove, the lock mechanism 1928 includes a combination lock 1932 havingfour rotatable dials 1936. The dials 1936 are rotatable to input aproper combination into the lock mechanism 1928, thereby unlocking thelock mechanism 1928. Unlike the dials 1336 discussed above, however, theillustrated dials 1936 rotate about an axis that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the cable (when the cable is straightened) so thatthe lock mechanism 1928 extends outwardly from the remainder of thesecurity apparatus 1900.

FIG. 52 illustrates another security apparatus 2000. The securityapparatus 2000 is similar to the security apparatus 100 discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-16. Reference is made to the description ofthe security apparatus 100 above for details of the structure andoperation of the security apparatus 2000 not included below. Theillustrated security apparatus 2000 includes a cable, an outer sheath2008, a lock head 2012, and an actuator assembly 2016. The cable, theouter sheath 2008, and the lock head 2012 are substantially the same asthe cable 108, the outer sheath 128, and the lock head 112 shown inFIGS. 1-16.

The illustrated actuator assembly 2016 includes a body 2020, a manualactuator 2024, and a lock mechanism 2028. The manual actuator 2024extends from and is supported by the body 2020. Unlike the push buttonactuator 176 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated manual actuator2024 is a pivotable lever. The lock mechanism 2028 is also supported bythe body 2020. Similar to the lock mechanism 180 shown in FIGS. 6-10B,the lock mechanism 2028 can secure the actuator 2024 in a depressedposition.

The illustrated security apparatuses allow the lock heads to be locatedremotely from the actuator assemblies (including the relatively bulkylock mechanisms) to reduce the possibility of blocking ports, buttons,or other sections of portable electronic devices. The lock heads onlyrequire minimum space on a device and can interface with devices lessthan 10 mm in height. In some embodiments, the lock heads can havedimensions between about 4 mm by 8 mm and about 9 mm by 12 mm. Inaddition, the security apparatuses are configured to withstand a minimumof axial pull forces of 150 lbf and side pull forces of 35 lbf. Thesecurity apparatuses described above thereby provide smaller attachmentsthat interface with portable electronic devices, yet are still able towithstand substantial forces to secure the devices in place.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A security apparatus for a portable electronicdevice, the security apparatus comprising: a force-transmission memberhaving a length, a first end, and a second end; a lock head coupled tothe first end of the force-transmission member, the lock head configuredto selectively engage the portable electronic device and movable by theforce-transmission member between a locked position, in which the lockhead is secured to the portable electronic device, and an unlockedposition, in which the lock head is unsecured from the portableelectronic device; and an actuator assembly spaced a distance from thelock head along the length of the force-transmission member, theactuator assembly including a body, a movable member positioned withinthe body and coupled to the second end of the force-transmission member,and a lock mechanism supported by the body, the lock mechanism beingactuatable from a first position to a second position to move themovable member relative to the body such that the lock head moves fromthe unlocked position to the locked position, wherein the actuatorassembly further comprises a lever configured to selectively inhibitmovement of the movable member, wherein the lever is driven by the lockmechanism and engages the movable member when the lock mechanism is inthe second position, and wherein the actuator assembly further comprisesa biasing member operable to bias the movable member toward the lockhead, wherein the lever overcomes a spring force of the biasing memberin the second position.
 2. The security apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe lock head is in the unlocked position when the lock mechanism is inthe first position, and wherein the lock head is in the locked positionwhen the lock mechanism is in the second position.
 3. The securityapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a key engageable with the lockmechanism and configured to actuate the lock mechanism from the firstposition to the second position and from the second position to thefirst position.
 4. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lockmechanism is rotatable between the first position and the secondposition, and wherein the lever is drivable in a rotational motion bythe lock mechanism.
 5. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein thelock mechanism includes a cylinder lock that extends generallyperpendicularly from the body.
 6. The security apparatus of claim 1,wherein the lock head includes an expandable portion and a plunger,wherein, in the unlocked position the expandable portion has a firstwidth, and, wherein, in the locked position the expandable portion movesradially outward to a second width greater than the first width.
 7. Thesecurity apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plunger is movable relativeto the expandable portion and is operable to move in response toactuation of the lock cylinder between the first and second positions.8. The security apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distance between thelock head and the actuator assembly is at least 8 cm.
 9. The securityapparatus of claim 1, further comprising an outer sheath surrounding atleast a portion of the force-transmission member, wherein the lock headand the actuator assembly are fixed to opposing ends of the outer sheathto maintain the distance between the lock head and the actuator assemblyalong the length of the force-transmission member.
 10. The securityapparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to besecured to an immovable object.
 11. The security apparatus of claim 1,wherein the force-transmission member includes a flexible cable.
 12. Asecurity apparatus for a portable electronic device, the securityapparatus comprising: a force-transmission member having a length, afirst end, and a second end; a lock head coupled to the first end of theforce-transmission member, the lock head configured to selectivelyengage the portable electronic device and movable by theforce-transmission member between a locked position, in which the lockhead is secured to the portable electronic device, and an unlockedposition, in which the lock head is unsecured from the portableelectronic device; and an actuator assembly spaced a distance from thelock head along the length of the force-transmission member, theactuator assembly including a movable member coupled to theforce-transmission member and a lock cylinder coupled to the movablemember and operable to move the movable member from a first position inwhich the lock head is in the unlocked position to a second position inwhich the force-transmission member is translated along its lengthtoward the actuator assembly and the lock head is in the lockedposition, the lock cylinder extending perpendicular to a longitudinalaxis of the force-transmission member.
 13. The security apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the actuator assembly further includes a lever coupledto the lock cylinder, the lever operable to rotate to move the movablemember from the first position to the second position.
 14. The securityapparatus of claim 13, wherein the lever engages the movable member whenthe lock cylinder is in the second position.
 15. The security apparatusof claim 14, wherein the actuator assembly further includes a biasingmember operable to bias the movable member toward the lock head, whereinthe lever overcomes a spring force of the biasing member in the secondposition.
 16. The security apparatus of claim 12, further comprising akey engageable with the lock cylinder and configured to actuate the lockcylinder from the first position to the second position and from thesecond position to the first position.
 17. The security apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the force-transmission member includes a flexiblecable.